The Latest Advancement In Drug Testing: Breath Testing

Breath Drug Testing At WorkPlace

Workplace drug testing comes in many different forms. Some are the ultimate way to gain true results, according to experts. Others are problematic and companies should discard them. Workers are now used to the urine test as the standard for many companies. This has led to lots of tricks to beat the system and tampered sample. The rise of the saliva test and hair test helped to bring some order. The hair screening method is now favoured by many for the long detection window. it also has a much more straightforward approach and good levels of accuracy. However, there is another option that is in development.

The Latest Addition Is This Long Line Of Methods Is Drug Testing Via Breath Testing.

The concept of breath testing is nothing new. Breathalysers are in use in many police forces across the world and used as a means of catching out drunk drivers. Suspects breathe into a device for a given period of time and the machine measures the chemical composition of the breath. Two much alcohol and they are potentially on their way down to the station. These devices are well-received in many countries as a means of dealing with the issue of drink-driving. Advancements in drug testing and technology mean that there is now the chance to test for even more substances.

Breathalysers For Marijuana Use In Drivers.

The change in legislation on the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana is a hot topic. It has led some to question whether we should be paying more attention to drug-driving. The rise in the availability and acceptance of marijuana put it more in line with alcohol than other banned substances. There is nothing to stop a driver from heading onto the road after smoking a joint.

That is of course if they feel they feel they are safe and responsible. There will be many drivers that understand their limit, much as with alcohol. However, there will be some that misjudge their reaction times and could be a danger. This is where breath testing is such a good idea.

At the end of 2015, a California company called Hound Labs announced they were starting on a handheld breath test. The system would look for THC levels in the breath of suspects. This is the same metabolite that testers search for in drug testing for urine, saliva and hair.

Breath Testing For Amphetamines In Workplace Drug Testing.

In Sweden, the Karolinska Institute have developed something similar. They are working on a machine that can detect traces of Amphetamines in a subject’s breath. It looks at the chemical make-up of aerosol particles from the lungs, collecting the particles for examination. This system is now touted as a potential tool for roadside assistance and workplace drug test.

It is easy to see why companies would like this method. If it is the same method as police use then there is some weight behind it. The method is also simple and hard to trick. There is no way of tampering the sample as the breath is immediately collected for analysis. The main issue is the very small detection window. This is only really for use in cases with subjects suspected to be under the influence. It has potential as a solution when an employee’s behaviour impacts upon their work or puts others at risk.

What Is Next For Breath Testing As A Means Of Accurate Drug Testing.

The problem with early models of these tests is finding the right level to determine positive and negative results. There is a difference between detecting the presence of THC and saying that a driver is under the influence. The same applies to breath testing for detecting amphetamines. A simple yes and no answer is not always enough. It all depends on the circumstances of the test. A trace element could cause a positive result. That positive result may not be indicative of the subject’s ability to perform at work.

The job of the developers is to make the system as sensitive and accurate as possible. It is up to lawmakers and other scientists to determine the right thresholds. With some fine tuning, there is no doubt that this will be a great help in roadside assistance and DUI cases. The potential for workplace drug tests is still uncertain.